The Flotsam And Jetsam Public Drama Continues

FLOTSAM AND JETSAM singer Eric A.K. and bassist Jason Ward have continued their war of words on the band's official message board, with Eric asking Ward to "put the crack pipe down long enough" to give him a call, and Ward responding that he has done nothing to "deserve this kind of disrespect" from A.K.

In a post dated April 22, A.K. responded to Ward's previous online posting in which Jason slammed Eric for "being such a colossal prick" and not attending a band rehearsal in "almost eight years," stating simply, "Hey, Jason, put the crack pipe down long enough to come up with a thaught [sic] and it's an inteligent one. You have my phone number." Ward, in turn, responded with the following missive, dated April 23:

"Well, I think everyone here that reads this would say that was an intelligent 'thought'... regardless of the spelling, that is...

"If I have said anything that is untrue, call me on it. You might have had more to write than the weak insults I expected from you if you could say I was lying. But you can't.

"I am not here to take shots at you or anyone else in the band, certainly not for their drug use (talk about the pot calling the kettle black), but somehow it comes easy for you.

"I gave up trying to call you a few years back when you decided to quit the band and not tell anyone. I think we all know why.

"I can tell you this, crack pipe in hand or not: I would have the 'nads to face you and and the rest of the band if I were to quit.

"The fact is, A.K., this band has been pretty good to you and your family and it pains me to think you can openly talk about us like we are not your friends.

"I do remember a time when you were my friend, and to some extent, had my back. Now it seems like you want to believe any rumor you hear about what a bad guy I am, but not once have you asked me what was going on or how I was doing. Your family is doing fine and you have great kids you get to spend a lot of time with.

"Things have not been so good for me, but I roll with the punches and certainly don't wish on you the kind of derpression and hard luck I seem to keep having.

"So how does it feel to know you don't have my back at all? It sucks, and I hope you don't ever have to feel it. I know I have had yours...

"When a local radio DJ made some crack on the air about you bringing your kid to a show and blowing off an interview, calling you a junkie or some shit. I was the first person calling the station threating legal action and demanding apologies. In return, you have alienated me and even joined in on the shit talked behind my back. Your insult today backs that up.

"You have gone and done a record with your country band and done a have [sic] dozen shows in town, and not once have you invited me to a show. Even when we performed together just a few hours before one.

"Why? I have done nothing to you, Eric, to deserve any of this. Neither has Craig [Nielsen, drums], who has done nothing other than fight like a b###h to keep FLOTSAM alive.

"So if you really want to talk, Eric...

"I am all ears and have always been ready to talk things out, but you have decided not to. Worse yet, you have come here more often than not to discuss our band.

"With that being said, the real question is whether or not you have my number. If not, then all I ask is that you think about all the years we have been in this band together, and what is is you think anyone has done to deserve this kind of disrespect from you."

Jason Ward then responded to fans' criticism that the group's internal feud should have remained private and been dealt with away from the public eye. Ward then issued the following statement:

"My apologies to all who have read this crap that should have been discussed face to face. Maybe that will happen in the next week or so and all of this will be water under the bridge.

"As a band, we have dealt with over 15 years of good times and bad. Pretending we have never had a ill word to say about one another would be impossible for anyone to believe.

"I think we will get through all of this, and if we don't, we don't. I know all of us love making music and if things had been different in the past who knows...

"It has been tough at times to be in this band, for all of us. But no matter what has gone on, we have always appreciated the support our listeners have shown.

"One thing is for sure, no one can say we have not been passionate about our music, even if as band memebers we have not seen eye to eye.

"Through it all, though, I will always love my brothers in FLOTSAM, even when they act like jackasses (and yes, I have as well … more than once or twice).

"I can tell you one thing... THE NEW ALBUM STILL KICKS ASS! Even if we are barking at each other.

"Maybe this is just blowing off some steam for us. It gets harder and harder to keep making great music without getting on each other's nerves, that's all. This ain't the 'Dr. Phil' show, this is ####in metal.

"What we are going through is nothing new and has happend to every band that has played music in this biz. Shit, METALLICA figured out a way to make money off it by putting it on the silver screen. If only we had the budget we could afford more than just a few stupid posts on our website! Maybe we can do a slide show?? Nah.

"A.K., just remember that you have a great band and the ability to do whatever you want. Just try to think a little more about your commrades and be thankful for what you have. After all my b###hing, I am trying to do that, too. You make your own reality, A.K., so make it a good one."

Meanwhile, A.K. has offered his own two cents on the matter, stating in an online posting, "Do you people mind? Can Jason and I fight, bicker, and #### a little on our own web site without you knuckleheads coming down on us? If we do this in person, we end up breaking things. This is much safer. Hasn't anyone here heard two brothers fight? Well, there's five of us, and we cat fight like b###hes. Pull hair, pinch, and fling make-up... Just ignore us and check out the new album. And if you think we suck, don't listen and stay off our web site."